Self-propelled figure

ABSTRACT

A figure includes a torso, an appendage coupled to the torso and a drive configured to move the appendage with respect to the torso. The figure is configured to be propelled through a liquid. In one embodiment, the figure also includes an activation mechanism configured to activate the drive when the figure is at least partially disposed in a liquid such as water.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/167,410, entitled “Self-Propelled Figure,” filed Jun. 13,2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a self-propelled toy figure, and inparticular, to a water toy, such as, a fish or a sea turtle, that cantraverse through a liquid, such as water.

Children generally enjoy toys that simulate animals. Children alsogenerally enjoy toys that can be used in aqueous environments, such aspools or lakes. Thus, water toys that simulate animals have beendeveloped.

Some conventional water toys that simulate animals include movingappendages that propel the toy through liquids. For example, someconventional water toys simulate fish and include moving tails thatpropel the fish though water. However, the appendages of theseconventional water toys, do not have life-like motions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A toy figure includes a torso, an appendage coupled to the torso, and adrive. The toy figure is configured to be placed in a liquid, such aswater. The drive is configured to produce a force sufficient to move theappendage with respect to the torso. The appendage is configured to flexwhile the appendage is moving with respect to the torso. The relativemotion and the flex of the appendage effectively propel the toy figurethrough the liquid and provide the appendage with life-like movements.In one embodiment, the figure includes an activation mechanismconfigured to activate the drive when the figure is at least partiallydisposed in a liquid such as water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a toy having a torso and a movableappendage according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the toy of FIG. 1 disposed in a liquidwith the appendage in a rest position.

FIG. 3-7 are schematic top views of the toy of FIG. 1 disposed in aliquid with the appendage moving.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a toy reef fish according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the toy reef fish of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away side view of the toy reef fish of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the tail of the toy reef fish of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the tail of the toy reef fish of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a toy koi fish according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a toy turtle according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cut-away top view of the toy turtle of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an axle of the toy turtle of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a toy figure having a torso and a movableappendage according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a toy figure according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the actuation mechanism of the toy figureof FIG. 18.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic views of actuation mechanisms according toembodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are partial breakaway views of a toy figure according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 is a partial breakaway view of a toy figure according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 is a partial breakaway view of a toy figure according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the toy figure of FIG. 25 takenalong line 26-26 of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A toy figure includes a torso, an appendage coupled to the torso, and adrive. The toy figure is configured to be placed in a liquid, such aswater. The drive is configured to produce a force sufficient to move theappendage with respect to the torso. The appendage is configured to flexwhile the appendage is moving with respect to the torso. The relativemotion and the flex of the appendage effectively propel the toy figurethrough the liquid and provide the appendage with life-like movements.

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 1, the toy FIG. 100 includes atorso 120, an appendage 160 coupled to the torso 120, and a drive 140that is coupled to torso 120. A link 124, such as a drive shaft,operatively couples the drive 140 to the appendage 160. Drive 140generates a force that is sufficient to move the appendage 160 withrespect to the torso 120. The relative motion can be any type ofrelative motion, such as reciprocating pivotal motion or reciprocatinglinear motion. The appendage 160 includes a rigid portion 162 and aflexible portion 164.

The toy FIG. 100 can be configured to be placed in a liquid. The drive140 is configured to move the appendage 160 with respect to the torso120 when the toy figure is placed in the liquid. When the appendage 160moves with respect to the torso 120, the flexible portion 164 of theappendage flexes or bends in a direction opposite to that of themovement of the appendage during at least a portion of the range ofmotion of the appendage. The motion of the appendage 160 with respect tothe torso 120 and the flexing of the flexible portion 164 effectivelypropel the toy FIG. 100 through the liquid and give the toy FIG. 100 theappearance of realistic-looking motion.

FIG. 2 illustrates the toy FIG. 100 in a rest position. In thisposition, the appendage 160 is not moving with respect to the torso 120.FIGS. 3-7 illustrate the toy FIG. 100 disposed in a liquid at differentstages of the relative movement between the torso 120 and the appendage160. In this embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotalmotion with the appendage 160 pivoting about an axis 126 that is locatedat the rear of the torso. FIG. 3 shows the toy FIG. 100 in a first stageof the relative motion. In the first stage, the appendage 160 ispivoting in a first direction A with respect to the torso 120. As theappendage 160 pivots in the first direction A, both the flexible portion164 and the rigid portion 162 of the appendage move in direction A. Theflexibility of the appendage 160 and the resistance of the liquid,however, cause the flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160 to flex orbend in a direction opposite to that of the movement of the appendage.

FIG. 4 shows the toy FIG. 100 in a second stage of the relative motionbetween the torso 120 and the appendage 160. In the second stage, theappendage 160 has reversed its direction and is pivoting in a seconddirection B with respect to the torso 120. The rigid portion 162 of theappendage 160 has also reversed its direction and is moving in thesecond direction B. The flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160,however, is still moving in the first direction A. In this second stage,the flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160 is flexing or bending inthe same direction as that of the motion of at least a portion of theappendage. FIG. 5 shows the toy FIG. 100 in a third stage of therelative motion. In the third stage, the appendage 160 is still pivotingin the second direction B. The rigid portion 162 of the appendage 160 isalso still moving in the second direction B. The flexible portion 164 ofthe appendage 160, however, has changed its direction and is moving inthe second direction B. The flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160 isalso flexing or bending in an direction opposite to that of the movementof the appendage.

FIG. 6 shows the toy FIG. 100 in a fourth stage of the relative motionbetween the torso 120 and the appendage 160. In the fourth stage, theappendage 160 has changed its direction and is again pivoting in thefirst direction A. The rigid portion 162 of the appendage 160 has alsochanged its direction and is again moving in the first direction A. Theflexible portion 164 of the appendage 160, however, is still moving inthe second direction B. In this fourth stage, the flexible portion 164of the appendage 160 is flexing or bending in the same direction as thatof the motion of at least a portion of the appendage. FIG. 7 shows thetoy figure in a fifth stage of relative motion between the torso 120 andthe appendage 160. In the fifth stage, the appendage is still pivotingin the first direction A. The rigid portion 162 is also still moving inthe first direction A . The flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160,however, has changed its direction and is again moving in the firstdirection A. The flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160 is alsoflexing or bending in an direction opposite to that of the movement ofthe appendage.

Because the flexible portion 164 of the appendage 160 flexes and bendsas the appendage 160 moves with respect to the torso 120, the movementof the flexible portion constantly lags the motion of the rigid portion162 of the appendage. Thus, when the appendage 160 moves with respect tothe torso 120 the appendage moves in a wave-like, whipping motion.

FIGS. 3-7 show the relative movement between the appendage 160 and thetorso 120 as a pivotal motion rotating about the axis 126 that islocated at the rear of the torso, it is not necessary that that the axisbe located at a rear portion of the torso. In alternative embodiment,the axis of rotation is located at a front portion of the torso. In afurther embodiment, the axis of rotation is located at a side portion ofthe torso.

In another embodiment, the appendage of the toy figure is configuredsuch that the appendage flexes or bends in more than one direction whenthe appendage moves with respect to the torso. For example, theappendage may flex or bend in an “S” shape when the appendage moves withrespect to the torso.

In another embodiment, the appendage does not include a rigid portion,rather the entire appendage is flexible.

An implementation of the invention described and illustratedschematically above is illustrated in FIGS. 8-12. In this embodiment, atoy reef fish 200 includes a torso 220 that simulates a fish torso andan appendage 260 that simulates a fish tail. The torso 220 of the toyreef fish 200 includes a surface that defines an enclosure or a cavity222. As best viewed in FIG. 9, the cavity is the space located betweenthe two molded halves 220 a and 220 b of the torso 220. In thisembodiment, the molded halves 220 a and 220 b of the torso are made ofacrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene plastic. In other embodiments, themolded halves of the torso are made of any other type of material thatwill retain the shape and configuration of the torso, such any othertype of plastic.

The appendage 260 is disposed outside of the cavity 222 and is coupledto the torso 220 for relative pivotal movement between the appendage andthe torso. In the illustrated embodiment, the appendage 260 includes afirst opening 266 located on the top portion of the appendage (see FIGS.9 and 12) and a second opening (not shown) that is located on the bottomportion of the appendage. Projections (not shown) that are coupled tothe torso 220 engage with the openings 266 to pivotally couple theappendage 260 to the torso 220. In alternative embodiments othercoupling mechanisms, such as brads, rivets, etc., are used to pivotallycouple the appendage to the torso.

The toy reef fish 200 also includes a drive 240, which is housed withinthe cavity 222. The drive 240 is coupled to the torso 220 and to theappendage 260 of the toy reef fish 200. The drive 240 is configured topivot the appendage 260 with respect to the torso 220 and thereby propelthe toy reef fish though a liquid, such as water.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive includes a power source 242 anda motor 244. The power source 242 can be a power source, such as abattery. The power source 242 is operatively coupled to the motor 244 toprovide power to the motor. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drive240 also includes a set of gears 246, 248, 250, and 252, a shaft 254,and a crank 256. The motor 244 is operatively coupled to the set ofgears 246, 248, 250, and 252, the shaft 254, and the crank 256. When themotor 244 is activated, the motor operates to rotate these items.

Although the drive 240 is illustrated as being a battery powered motor,the drive need not be such a mechanism. In an alternative embodiment,the drive is a wind-up type motor, a spring biased gear rack, or anyother mechanism that will produce a force sufficient to move theappendage 260 of the toy reef fish 200 with respect to the torso 220 ofthe toy reef fish. Additionally, although the drive 240 is illustratedas including several gears 246, 248, 250, and 252, any number of gearsmay be used in the drive.

The crank 256 includes a projection 258 that is offset from the centerof the crank. Thus, when the crank 256 rotates, the projection 258 movesin a circular path. The projection 258 extends from the cavity 222 andengages a vertical slot 268 located on the front side of the appendage260. In the illustrated embodiment, the height H of the slot 268 isgreater than the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of theprojection 258. The width W of the slot 268 is less than the diameter ofthe circle defined by the movement of the projection 258. Thus, as theprojection 258 moves in its circular path, the projection will notcontact the upper portion 270 or the lower portion 272 of the slot 268.The projection 258 will, however, contact the side portions 274 and 276of the slot 268 as the projection moves in its circular path. Thecontact between the projection 258 and the side portions 274 and 276 ofthe slot 268 force the appendage 260 to move in a reciprocating pivotalmotion with respect to the torso 220.

Similar to the above-described embodiments, the appendage 260 includes arigid portion 262 and a flexible portion 264. The flexible portion 264is configured to bend or flex when the toy reef fish 200 is placed in aliquid and the appendage 260 pivots with respect to the torso 220. Thus,the appendage 260 has substantially the same wave-like whipping motionthat is described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. In thisembodiment, the pivoting motion combined with the bending and flexing ofthe flexible portion 264 of the appendage 260 provides the appendagewith life-like fish tail movements.

The rigid portion 262 of the appendage 260 is located proximate to afront end 282 of the appendage. The flexible portion 264 of theappendage is located proximate to a rear end 284 of the appendage. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the appendage 260 has a taperedcross-section with the front end 282 of the appendage 260 being thickerthan the rear end 284 of the appendage. In this embodiment, theappendage is made of a single type of flexible material, and thethickness of the material determines whether the particular portion ofthe appendage is rigid or flexible. The flexible material is rigidenough to retain the shape and form of the appendage, yet is flexibleenough to bend and flex when the appendage 260 moves with respect to thetorso 220.

The particular material from which the appendage is made can be selectedso that the appendage maintains a life-life motion similar to thatdescribed above in FIGS. 3-7. More specifically, the particular materialselected for the appendage depends on, at least in part, the specificshape of the appendage and the size of the self-propelled figure. Forexample, a thicker width appendage is made from a more flexible materialthan the material used to make a thinner width appendage. Similarly, alarger self-propelled figure will typically have an appendage with aless flexible material than the material used to make an appendage for asmaller self-propelled figure. In sum, an appendage for any given typeof self-propelled figure can be made from a material having a shore Adurometer hardness, for example, between substantially 10 and 70. Forexample, in one embodiment, the appendage of the toy reef fish 200 shownin FIGS. 8-12 is made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometerhardness in the range of 50 to 60. In another embodiment, the appendageis made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness of 50.

In an alternative embodiment, the appendage does not have a taperedcross-section, and the rigid portion and the flexible portion of theappendage are made of different types of materials. The particularhardness of those different types of materials can be selected fromshore A durometer hardness in the range of 10 to 70.

In the illustrated embodiment, the toy reef fish 200 is configured to besubstantially neutrally buoyant. Thus, when the toy reef fish 200 isplaced in water, the toy reef fish remains near the surface of the waterbut vacillates between being entirely submerged in the water and beingonly partially submerged in the water. In another embodiment, the toyreef fish is configured to be substantially negatively buoyant so thatthe fish sinks when the it is placed in water. In a further embodiment,the toy reef fish is configured to be substantially positively buoyantso that the fish floats when it is placed in water.

In the illustrated embodiment, the toy reef fish 200 also includes a topfin 290, a bottom fin 292, and side fins 294 (only one shown). In oneembodiment, the fins 290, 292, and 294 are made of a polyvinyl chloridewith a shore A durometer hardness of 50. In an another embodiment, thefins 290, 292, 294, and 296 are made of a polyvinyl chloride with ashore A durometer hardness in the range of 50 to 60. In alternativeembodiments, the toy reef fish includes any combination of the fins. Forexample, in one embodiment the toy reef fish includes only a top fin. Inanother embodiment, the toy reef fish includes a top fin and a bottomfin.

FIG. 13 illustrates a second implementation of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, a toy koi fish 300 includes a torso 320 that simulatesthe torso of a koi fish and an appendage 360 that simulates a tail of akoi fish. The toy koi fish also includes a drive (not shown) that iscoupled to the torso 320 and to the appendage 360. The torso 320, theappendage 360, and the drive can be structurally and functionallyequivalent to the torso, appendage, and drive described in toy reef fishembodiment.

The toy koi fish 300 can function in a manner that is substantiallysimilar to the manner in which the toy reef fish functions. The drive isconfigured to produce reciprocating pivotal motion between the appendage360 and the torso 320. When the toy koi fish 300 is placed in a liquid,such as water, and the appendage 360 pivots with respect to the torso320 a flexible portion 364 of the appendage 360 flexes and bends toproduce a wave-like whipping motion substantially similar to thewave-like whipping motion described in the above embodiments. Thepivotal motion and the whipping motion effectively propel the toy koifish 300 through the water and provide the appendage 360 with life-likefish tail movements.

Similar to the toy reef fish embodiment, the toy koi fish 300 can beconfigured to be substantially neutrally buoyant. Thus, when the toy koifish 300 is placed in water, the toy koi fish remains near the surfaceof the water but vacillates between being entirely submerged in thewater and being only partially submerged in the water. In anotherembodiment, the toy koi fish is configured to be negatively buoyant sothat the toy koi fish sinks when the toy koi fish is placed in water. Ina further embodiment, the toy koi fish is configured to be positivelybuoyant so that the toy koi fish floats when the toy koi fish is placedin water.

Although in the illustrated embodiment, the toy koi fish 300 includes atop fin 371, small bottom fins 373 (only one shown), large bottom fins375 (only one shown), and whiskers 377 (only one shown), it is notnecessary that the toy koi fish include these items. In this embodiment,the top fin 371, the small bottom fins 373, the large bottom fins 375,and the whiskers 377 are made of a flexible material, such as apolyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness in the range of 50to 60. Alternatively, the fins and the whiskers are made of a rigidmaterial, such as plastic.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate a third implementation of the present invention.In this embodiment, a toy turtle 400 includes a torso 420 that isconfigured to simulate a body of a turtle, arm appendages 510 and 520that are configured to simulate arms of a turtle, leg appendages 530 and540 that are configured to simulate legs of a turtle, and a headappendage 550 that is configured to simulate a head of a turtle. Thetorso 420 of the toy turtle 400 includes a front portion 427, a rearportion 425, and side portions 421 and 423. The outer surface of thetorso 420 defines an enclosure or cavity 422.

The arm appendages 510 and 520, the leg appendages 530 and 540, and thehead appendage 550 are disposed outside of the enclosure or cavity 422and are pivotally coupled to the torso 420. In the illustratedembodiment, the arm appendages 510 and 520 are coupled to a front axle512 that extends though the torso 420 and is pivotally coupled to thetorso. Similarly, the leg appendages 530 and 540 are coupled to a rearaxle 532 that extends through the torso 420 and is pivotally coupled tothe torso. In the illustrated embodiment ends of each of the axles 512and 532 are disposed within a portion of the appendages 510, 520, 530,and 540 to couple the appendages to the axles. In another embodimentanother mechanism, such as an adhesive, is used to couple the appendagesto the respective axles.

The torso includes projections 552 and 554 that communicate with theopenings on the side of the head appendage 550 to pivotally couple thehead appendage to the torso 420. In another embodiment, another methodis used to pivotally couple the head appendage to the torso of theturtle.

The toy turtle 400 also includes a drive 440 that includes a powersource 442, a motor (not shown), a shaft 454, and a crank 456. The drive440 is structurally and functionally equivalent to the drive describedin the toy reef fish embodiment. However, in an alternative embodimentthe drive is a wind-up type motor, a spring biased gear rack, or anyother type of mechanism that would produce forces sufficient to move theappendages with respect to the torso.

Similar to the above-described embodiments, the crank 456 includes aprojection 458 that is offset from the center of the crank. Thus, whenthe crank 456 is rotated by the motor, the projection moves in acircular path. As best viewed in FIGS. 15 and 16, the projection 458communicates with a slot 468 located on axle 512. The length L of theslot 468 is greater than the diameter of the circle defined by themovement of the projection 458. The height H of the slot 468 is lessthan the diameter of the circle defined by the movement of theprojection 458. Thus, as the crank 456 rotates and the projection 458moves in its circular path, the projection 458 contacts the upper sideportion 467 and the lower side portion 469 of the slot 468. The contactbetween the projection 458 and the side portions 467 and 469 force theaxle 512 to move in a reciprocating pivotal motion with respect to thetorso 420.

Axle 512 is coupled to the head appendage 550 via a linkage 556 and toaxle 532 via a linkage 560. Thus, as axle 512 is pivoted, the headappendage 550 is also pivoted with respect to the torso 420 about anaxis of rotation defined by the projections 552 and 554. Similarly, asaxle 512 pivots with respect to the torso 420, axle 532 also pivots withrespect to the torso.

As the axles 512 and 532 pivot with respect to the torso 420, the armand leg appendages 510, 520, 530, and 540 also pivot with respect to thetorso. Similar to the above described embodiments, the arm appendages510 and 520 and the leg appendages 530 and 540 include flexible portions518, 528, 538, and 548. The flexible portions 518, 528, 538, and 548flex and bend when the toy turtle 400 is placed in a liquid, such as,water and the appendages 510, 520, 530, 540, respectively, pivot withrespect to the torso 420 to produce the substantially the same wave-likewhipping motion that is described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3-7.The pivoting motion and the flexing of the flexible portions 518, 528,538, and 548 of the appendages 510, 520, 530, and 540, respectively,propel the toy turtle 400 through the liquid and provide the appendageswith life-like turtle arm and leg movements.

The flexible portion 518, 528, 538, and 548 of the appendages 510, 520,530, and 540, respectively, can be made of any type of flexiblematerial. In the illustrated embodiment the appendages 510, 520, 530,and 540 are made of a polyvinyl chloride with a shore B durometerhardness in the range of 40 to 50.

In this embodiment, the head appendage 550 of the toy turtle 400 is madeof a rigid material, such as a molded polyvinyl chloride. In anotherembodiment, the head appendage is made of a flexible material, such as apolyvinyl chloride with a shore A durometer hardness of 40 to 50.

In the illustrated embodiment, toy turtle 400 is configured to floatwhen the it is placed in water. In another embodiment, the toy turtle issubstantially neutrally buoyant. In another embodiment, the toy turtleis configured to sink when placed in water. In a further embodiment, thetoy turtle is configured to be suspended at a range of depths when thetoy turtle is placed in water.

FIGS. 17 is a schematic illustration of a toy FIG. 700 according toanother embodiment of the invention. The toy FIG. 700 includes a torso720, an appendage 760 coupled to the torso 720, and a drive 740 coupledto torso 720. A link 724, such as a drive shaft, operatively couples thedrive 740 to the appendage 760. The drive 740 produces a force that issufficient to move the appendage 760 with respect to the torso 720. Therelative motion can be any type of relative motion, such asreciprocating pivotal motion or reciprocating linear motion.

The toy FIG. 700 also includes an actuation mechanism 770 configured toactivate the drive 740. Accordingly, when the actuation mechanism 770activates the drive 740, the drive 740 causes the appendage 760 to movewith respect to the torso 720. The actuation mechanism 770 may beconfigured activate the drive 740 in response to different actions orconditions. For example, in one embodiment, the actuation mechanism isconfigured to activate the drive when the torso is placed or at leastpartially disposed within a liquid such as water. In another embodiment,the actuation mechanism is configured to activate the drive when thetorso is placed or otherwise disposed in a particular orientation, suchas an upright orientation.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a toy FIG. 800 according to anotherembodiment of the invention. The toy FIG. 800 includes a torso 820, anappendage 860 coupled to the torso 820, and a drive 840 that is coupledto torso 820. The drive 840 is configured to produce a force that issufficient to move the appendage 860 with respect to the torso 820.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is areciprocating pivotal motion.

As best illustrated in FIG. 19, the toy FIG. 800 also includes anactuation mechanism 870 configured to activate the drive 840.Accordingly, when the actuation mechanism 870 activates the drive 840,the drive 840 causes the appendage 860 to move with respect to the torso820. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 870 isconfigured to activate the drive 840 when the toy 800 is at leastpartially disposed within a liquid, including an ionic liquid, such aswater.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 840 and the actuation mechanism870 are disposed within a cavity defined by the torso 820. The actuationmechanism includes an electrical circuit 871 that is operatively coupledto a power source 842, such as a battery, and the drive 840. Theelectrical circuit includes a first contact 872, a second contact 873, afirst transistor 874, a second transistor 875, and a third transistor876. Each of the components of the electrical circuit 871, including thefirst and second contacts 872 and 873 and the three transistors 874,875, and 876 are operatively coupled together.

The electrical circuit 871 is activated when the first and secondcontacts 872 and 873 are bridged, for example by water, or otherwiseelectrically coupled. In other words, current passes through theelectrical circuit 871 to activate the drive 840 when the first andsecond contacts 872 and 873 are bridged. In one embodiment, thetransistors 874, 875, and 876 act as amplifiers to increase the amountof current that passes through the electrical circuit 871. Specifically,in one embodiment, the first transistor 874 activates when it detects ordetermines that current is passing through the contacts 872 and 873. Thefirst transistor 874 also amplifies the signal, which activates thesecond transistor 875. The second transistor 875 amplifies the signalsuch that the third transistor 876 is activated to allow current toactivate the drive 840.

Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, when the first and secondcontacts 872 and 873 are disposed in a liquid, the first and secondcontacts 872 and 873 are bridged, current passes through the electricalcircuit 871, and the drive 840 is activated to cause the appendage 860to move with respect to the torso 820.

Additionally, the electrical circuit 871 of the toy FIG. 800 includesseveral resistors 895 and a capacitor 897. The resistors 895 are biasresistors and are configured to set the amount of gain for thetransistors 874, 875, and 876. The capacitor 897 is a filteringcapacitor and is configured to reduce noise in the electrical circuit871.

In an another embodiment, the three transistors are configured to divertcurrent from the drive when the contacts are not bridged. Once thecontacts are bridged or otherwise electrically coupled, the transistorsare configured to direct current to the drive. Accordingly, when thecontacts are bridged, the drive is is activated to cause the appendageto move with respect to the torso.

In such an embodiment, the electrical circuit has a low current portionand a high current portion. The low current portion is configured todetect small amounts of current. Accordingly, the low current portion isconfigured to determine when the contacts are bridged or otherwiseelectrically coupled. The high current portion of the electrical circuitis configured to direct a relatively large amount of current to thedrive. Accordingly, once the low current portion determines that thecontacts have been bridged, the high current portion directs a largeamount of current to the drive.

Specifically, in such an embodiment, the first transistor and the secondtransistor are more sensitive than the third transistor. The firsttransistor and the second transistor are configured to detect smallamounts of current. Thus, the first transistor and the second transistorare configured to determine when the contacts are bridged or otherwiseelectrically coupled. The third transistor is configured to direct arelatively large amount of current to the drive to activate the drivewhen the first transistor and the second transistor determine that thecontacts are bridged.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts 872 and 873 extend from theinterior of the torso 820 to the exterior of the torso 820 and areconfigured to be bridged or otherwise operatively coupled together whenthe contacts are disposed in water. Although the contacts 872 and 873are illustrated as extending from a side of the torso 820, in otherembodiments, the contacts are disposed at another location that isaccessible to water when the torso 820 is disposed in water. Suchlocations can include, for example, the appendage and within the cavitydefined by the torso.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of an actuation mechanism 970according to another embodiment of the invention. The actuationmechanism 970 includes an electrical circuit 971 that is operativelycoupled to a power source 942, such as a battery, and the drive 940. Theelectrical circuit 971 includes a first contact 972, a second contact973, a first transistor 974, and a second transistor 975. Each of thecomponents of the electrical circuit 971, including the first and secondcontacts 972 and 973 and the first and second transistors 974 and 975,are operatively coupled together.

The first and second transistors 974 and 975 are configured to divertcurrent from the drive 940 when the contacts 972 and 973 are notbridged. Once the contacts 972 and 973 are bridged or otherwiseelectrically coupled, the first and second transistors 974 and 975 areconfigured to direct current to the drive 940. Accordingly, the drive is940 is activated to cause the appendage 960 to move with respect to thetorso 920.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of an actuation mechanism 1070according to another embodiment of the invention. The actuationmechanism 1070 includes an electrical circuit 1071 that is operativelycoupled to a power source 1042, such as a battery. The electricalcircuit 1071 includes a first contact 1072, a second contact 1073, afirst transistor 1074, a second transistor 1075, and a relay switch1079. Each of the components of the electrical circuit 1071, includingthe first and second contacts 1072 and 1073, the first and secondtransistors 1074 and 1075, and the relay switch 1079 are operativelycoupled together.

The relay switch 1079 includes a coil 1081 and a mechanical switch 1083.The mechanical switch 1083 is operatively coupled between the drive 1040and the power source 1042. Accordingly, when the mechanical switch 1083is in an “on” position, current is provided to the drive 1040 toactivate the drive 1040. Conversely, when the mechanical switch 1083 isin an “off” position, current is not supplied to the drive 1040 and thedrive is 1040 is not active or is deactivated.

The coil 1081 and the mechanical switch 1083 are positioned such thatwhen current passes through the coil 1081, the coil 1081 becomesmagnetized and causes the mechanical switch 1083 to be moved from its“off” position to its “on” position. Additionally, the first and secondtransistors 1074 and 1075 are configured to divert current from the coil1081 of the relay switch 1079 when the contacts 1072 and 1073 are notbridged. Once the contacts 1072 and 1073 are bridged or otherwiseelectrically coupled, the first and second transistors 1074 and 1075 areconfigured to direct current to the coil 1081 of the relay switch 1079.Accordingly, when the contacts 1072 and 1073 are bridged, current issupplied to the coil 1081 to magnetize the coil 1081 and the mechanicalswitch is moved via a magnetic force, from its “off” position to its“on” position to activate the drive 1040.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical switch is biased into its“off” position. In other words, the mechanical switch 1083 will stay inits “on” position for as long as a sufficient amount of current ispassing through the coil 1081. Specifically, once the contacts 1072 and1073 cease to be bridged, the transistors 1074 and 1075 will divert thecurrent from the coil 1081 and the mechanical switch 1083 will return toits “off” position to deactivate, or otherwise turn off, the drive 1040.

In another embodiment, the mechanical switch is not biased into eitherits “on” position or its “off” position. In such an embodiment, once themechanical switch is moved to its “on” position, another force, such asanother magnetic force or another mechanical force, must act on themechanical switch to return the mechanical switch to its “off” position.Thus, once a sufficient amount of current has passed through the coil tomove the mechanical switch to its “on” position, it is not necessary forcurrent to continue to pass through the coil to retain the mechanicalswitch in its “on” position.

FIGS. 22 and 23 each illustrate a partial breakaway side view of anothertoy FIG. 1100 according to another embodiment of the invention. The toyFIG. 1100 includes a torso 1120, an appendage 1160 coupled to the torso1120, and a drive (not illustrated) that is coupled to torso 1120. Thedrive is configured to produce a force that is sufficient to move theappendage 1160 with respect to the torso 1120. Specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the relative motion is a reciprocating pivotalmotion.

The toy FIG. 1100 also includes an actuation mechanism 1170 that isoperatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as abattery, and the drive. In one embodiment, the actuation mechanism 1170is disposed within a cavity 1121 defined by the torso 1120 of the toyFIG. 1100. The actuation mechanism 1170 includes a transmitter 1177, areceiver 1178, and an interrupter 1179. The transmitter 1177 isconfigured to transmit a signal S, such as an infra-red signal. Thereceiver 1178 is configured to receive the signal S transmitted by thetransmitter 1178.

The interrupter 1179 is configured to move from a first position to asecond position. As illustrated in FIG. 22, when the interrupter 1179 isin its first position, the interrupter 1179 is positioned such that thereceiver 1178 receives the signal S transmitted by the transmitter 1177.As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the interrupter 1179 is in its secondposition, the interrupter 1179 is positioned between the transmitter1177 and the receiver 1178 such that the receiver does not receive thesignal S transmitted by the transmitter 1177.

In the illustrated embodiment, water is configured to enter at least aportion of the cavity 1121 defined by the torso 1120 when the toy FIG.1100 is at least partially dispose in water. Accordingly, theinterrupter 1179 is configured to float when disposed in a liquid suchas water. Thus, when the toy FIG. 1100 is disposed outside of a liquid,the interrupter 1179 is configured to be disposed in its lower or firstposition. When the toy

FIG. 1100 is disposed in a liquid such as water, the interrupter 1179floats to its upper or second position.

The actuation mechanism is configured to divert current from the drivewhen the receiver 1178 receives the signal S transmitted by thetransmitter 1177. Once the signal S is not received, or is interruptedor otherwise modified by the interrupter 1179, the actuation mechanism1170 is configured to direct current to the drive. Accordingly, thedrive is activated to cause the appendage 1160 to move with respect tothe torso 1120 when the toy FIG. 1100 is disposed in a liquid such aswater and the interrupter 1179 is disposed in its upper or secondposition.

In another embodiment, the actuation mechanism is configured to divertcurrent from the drive when the signal is not received, or isinterrupted by the interrupter.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes a guidemember 1191 that is configured to help guide the interrupter 1179 fromits first position to its second position. Specifically, in theillustrated embodiment, the guide member 1191 is an elongate member. Theinterrupter 1179 is slideably coupled to the guide member 1191 such thatthe interrupter 1179 may slide from its first position to its secondposition. In other embodiments, the actuation mechanism does not includea guide member.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide member 1191 is offset from thepath of the signal S that is transmitted by the transmitter 1177. Inother words, the signal S may be transmitted by the transmitter 1177,pass by the guide member 1191, and be received by the receiver 1178without modification when the interrupter 1179 is disposed in its lowerposition.

FIG. 24 illustrates a toy FIG. 1200 according to another embodiment ofthe invention. The toy FIG. 1200 includes a torso 1220, an appendage1260 coupled to the torso 1220, and a drive (not illustrated) that iscoupled to torso 1220. The drive is configured to produce a force thatis sufficient to move the appendage 1260 with respect to the torso 1220.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relative motion is areciprocating pivotal motion.

The toy FIG. 1200 also includes an actuation mechanism 1270 that isoperatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as abattery, and the drive 1240. The actuation mechanism 1270 includes amechanical switch 1285, such as a leaf switch, and a floatation orbuoyant member 1287. The mechanical switch 1285 has an “on” position andan “off” position. The mechanical switch 1285 is configured to activatethe drive when the mechanical switch 125 is in its “on” position.

The floatation member 1287 is configured float when disposed in a liquidsuch as water. Specifically, the floatation member 1287 is configured tomove from a lower or first position to an upper or second position whenthe toy 1200 and the floatation member 1287 are at least partiallydisposed within a liquid such as water. The floatation member 1287 andthe mechanical switch 1285 are positioned such that the mechanicalswitch 1285 is moved into its “on” position when the floatation member1287 is in its second position. Thus, the mechanical switch causescurrent to be directed to the drive to activate the drive. Accordingly,when the toy is placed in a liquid such as water, the floatation member1287 floats to its second position, the mechanical switch is moved toits “on” position, and the drive is activated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 1270 isconfigured such that the actuation mechanism 1270 does not activate thedrive when the toy FIG. 1200 is inverted. In other words, the drive isactivated when the toy FIG. 1200 is at least partially disposed in aliquid and is not activated when the toy FIG. 1200 is turned upsidedown.

Specifically, when the toy FIG. 1200 is at least partially disposed in aliquid, the toy FIG. 1200 may be placed in a first orientation, such asan upright orientation, and a second orientation different than thefirst orientation, such as an upside down orientation. Additionally,when the toy FIG. 1200 is disposed apart from the liquid, the toy FIG.1200 may be placed in a third orientation, such as an uprightorientation, and a fourth orientation different than the thirdorientation, such as an upside down orientation. The actuation mechanism1270 is configured to activate the drive when the toy FIG. 1200 is inits first orientation. Conversely, the actuation mechanism 1270 isconfigured to deactivate the drive when the toy FIG. 1200 is in any oneof its second orientation, its third orientation, and its fourthorientation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 1270 is disposedwithin a cavity 1222 defined by the torso 1220 of the toy 1200. Thefloatation member 1287 includes, first portion 1297 that is configuredto engage the mechanical switch 1285, a second portion 1299, and acurved upper surface 1289. The first portion 1297 is lighter and morebuoyant than the second portion 1299. For example, in one embodiment, aweight (not illustrated) may be coupled to the second portion 1299 ofthe floatation member 1287. Additionally, the curved upper surface 1289of the floatation member 1287 is configured to engage a curved innersurface 1221 of the cavity 1222 of the torso 1220 when the floatationmember is in its upper or second position. Accordingly, as the firstportion 1297 of the floatation member 1287 is lighter than the secondportion 1299, the first portion 1297 of the floatation member 1287 doesnot contact the mechanical switch 1285 to move the mechanical switch toits “on” position when the toy 1200 is inverted or upside down.Conversely, as the first portion 1297 of the floatation member 1287 ismore buoyant than the second portion 1299, the first portion of thefloatation member 1287 does contact the mechanical switch 1285 to movethe mechanical switch 1285 to its “on” position when the toy 1200 isdisposed in an upright position and in a liquid such as water.

In one embodiment, the curved inner surface of the cavity has a largerradius of curvature than the curved upper surface of the floatationmember. Accordingly, the first portion or lighter portion of thefloatation member rocks or pivots away from the mechanical switch whenthe toy is inverted. Accordingly, the mechanical switch is not actuated.Conversely, when the toy is disposed upright in a liquid, the firstportion of the floatation member floats to contact and actuate themechanical switch.

In another embodiment, the inner surface of the cavity includes aprojection disposed on one side of the mechanical switch. The floatationmember is configured to pivot about the projection when the floatationmember is in its upper position. Specifically, when the toy is inverted,the first portion or lighter portion of the floatation member pivotsaway from the mechanical switch. Accordingly, the mechanical switch isnot activated. Conversely, when the toy is disposed upright in a liquid,the first portion of the floatation member floats to contact and actuatethe mechanical switch.

In another embodiment, the floatation member is not sufficiently heavyto activate the mechanical switch when the toy is inverted or upsidedown. The floatation member, however, is sufficiently buoyant toactivate the mechanical switch when the toy is disposed in an uprightposition and in a liquid such as water.

In another embodiment, the floatation member is pivotally coupled withinthe cavity defined by the torso.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate toy FIG. 1300 in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention. The toy FIG. 1300 includes a torso 1320, anappendage 1360 coupled to the torso 1320, and a drive (not illustrated)that is coupled to torso 1320. The drive is configured to produce aforce that is sufficient to move the appendage 1360 with respect to thetorso 1320. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the relativemotion is a reciprocating pivotal motion.

The toy FIG. 1300 also includes an actuation mechanism 1370 that isoperatively coupled to a power source (not illustrated), such as abattery, and the drive. The actuation mechanism 1370 includes a housing1372, a conductive member 1374, a first contact 1376, and a secondcontact 1378. The actuation mechanism 1370 is configured to divertcurrent from the drive when the contacts 1376 and 1378 are not bridged.Once the contacts 1376 and 1378 are bridged or otherwise electricallycoupled, the actuation mechanism 1370 is configured to direct current tothe drive. Accordingly, the drive is activated to cause the appendage tomove with respect to the torso when the contacts 1376 and 1378 arebridged or otherwise electrically coupled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1372 is fixedly coupledwithin a cavity 1321 defined by a torso 1320 of the toy FIG. 1300. Theconductive member 1374 is movably disposed within the housing 1372, andis, accordingly, configured to move within the housing 1372 when theorientation of the toy FIG. 1300 is changed. For example, the conductivemember 1374 is configured to be disposed in a first position within thehousing 1372 when the toy FIG. 1300 is placed in an upright orientation,and is configured to be disposed in a second position within the housing1372 when the toy FIG. 1300 is inverted or is placed in an upside downorientation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the contacts 1376 and 1378 are fixedlydisposed within the housing 1372. The contacts 1376 and 1378 aredisposed such that the conductive member 1374 bridges or otherwiseelectrically couples the first contact 1376 to the second contact 1378when the conductive member 1374 is in its first position. Thus, when thetoy FIG. 1300 is disposed in an upright orientation, the actuationmechanism activates the drive. Conversely, when the toy FIG. 1300 is notdisposed in an upright orientation, such as when it is in an invertedorientation, the contacts 1376 and 1378 are not bridged and the drive isnot activated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive member 1374 and thehousing 1378 are spherical in shape. In other embodiments, theconductive member, the housing, or both are of a shape other thanspherical. Additionally, in another embodiment, the housing is notdisposed within the cavity defined by the torso.

Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. The figure cansimulate, for example, virtually any animal, human, or action figure.The appendage can be any appendage appropriate to the selected torso,including a leg, a tail, an arm, a head, or another body segment.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended thatthe present invention covers the modifications and variations of thisinvention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A figure, comprising: a torso; an appendage coupled to the torso; adrive coupled to the torso and to the appendage, the drive configured tomove the appendage with respect to the torso; and an actuation mechanismconfigured to activate the drive when the torso is at least partiallydisposed in a liquid.